Jul 19 2005
English Partnerships has today announced the first former hospital site to be marketed since taking over a portfolio of 67 redundant NHS properties three months ago.
It marks the start of an intensive disposals programme that will help boost housing numbers nationally. The former Park Prewett hospital site in Basingstoke will deliver over 1,000 new homes in plans put forward by the national regeneration agency.
Bids are being invited from developers to deliver up to 891 homes on the first phase of the Hampshire site. Bids are also being invited for phase 2 which could deliver several hundred more homes across the site. A further section of the site – which lies outside the development brief - will provide space for around 130 more homes to be built through the agency’s Design for Manufacture competition, which encourages greater efficiency and innovation within the construction industry.
Together, the phase one development and Design for Manufacture Competition on this site will create around 1021 new homes. In addition to fulfilling its role and commitment to make the best use of surplus public sector land, English Partnerships has also ear-marked the site to include the first tranche of homes under the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s (ODPM) First-Time Buyers' Initiative (FTBI).
David Higgins, Chief Executive of English Partnerships said, “In just three months since receiving 67 NHS hospital sites, today we can announce bringing the first site to the market for development and will shortly be unveiling plans for other sites across the country. Our plans for the Park Prewett site illustrate how we are at the forefront of delivering initiatives that respond to and meet the needs of the housing market. “There is an urgent need to address the housing shortages in the south east and in particular to provide homes that are affordable for those wanting to get onto the first rung of the property ladder. “Through working closely with local authorities and others, we will maximise the potential of this and other former hospital sites.”
The exact number of homes to be made available under the FTBI has not yet been determined, but it is estimated that around 100-150 of the total number of market sale homes would be set aside for the scheme. In addition up to 200 affordable homes for rent would be delivered on phase 1 as part of a section 106 agreement.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said, “This surplus hospital site in Basingstoke will provide over 1,000 homes to rent, part-own or buy for a wide range of people including first time buyers and key workers like nurses and teachers. It’s part of our programme to turn land that no longer meets the needs of today’s NHS into sustainable new places to live and work. “Last year, I challenged developers to cut construction costs and build quality new homes for £60,000. People said it couldn’t be done. But now it’s going to happen in Basingstoke. We’re using surplus public land to provide homes that people on lower incomes can afford.”
English Partnerships is working closely with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to prepare the site for development. It is one of the largest residential sites in the current Local Plan and will have a significant impact on addressing housing shortages in the area.
Welcoming news that the site is being marketed, Cllr Laura James, Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Homes at Basingstoke and Deane Council said, “The council is excited by the opportunity of working with English Partnerships who have taken over the former Park Prewett site and we look forward to our partnership bringing more affordable housing and community facilities. “It’s one of the council’s key priorities to provide good quality affordable housing. The initiatives that are planned for the Park Prewett site will ensure that this continues.”
Developers have until 15 September 2005 to submit their bids for the site. English Partnerships expects to announce its preferred developer by the end of the year, with work due to start on the ground in spring 2006.